Cardiff City’s academy stars produced a remarkable performance to defeat Arsenal U21s 3-1 and book their place in the knockout stages of the Vertu Motors Trophy.
In torrential rain at Cardiff City Stadium, Brian Barry-Murphy’s side - effectively a Category Two academy outfit stripped of their youth internationals - out-fought and out-thought a Category One Arsenal team packed with top talent.
For a group made up almost entirely of teenagers, it was a night to savour. And they had Troy Perrett, Will Spiers and Trey George to thank for the goals.
The visitors struck first through Marcell Washington on 17 minutes, finishing low past Matt Turner after clever link-up play from the lively Charles Sagoe Jr.
But the Bluebirds’ response was instant. Two minutes later, playmaker Perrett jinked past two defenders before drilling a precise finish under Alexei Rojas to level the game - his first senior goal for the club.
It was a moment that typified Cardiff’s confidence and composure on the ball despite the conditions. The young side began to grow in belief, playing some superb passing football through midfield, with Matthew Apter and Spiers particularly impressive.
Cardiff emerged for the second half with renewed purpose - and quickly began to dominate.
Spiers came agonisingly close to giving City the lead when his curling effort crashed off the crossbar, while Perrett saw a low shot deflected inches wide moments later.
Then came the game’s turning point. On 59 minutes, Arsenal goalkeeper Alexei Rojas was shown a straight red card after clattering substitute Luke Pearce outside the box as the Cardiff striker broke clear.
From there, the Bluebirds smelt blood.
And their pressure told on 67 minutes when Spiers whipped in a teasing cross from
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